Using your mirror to build self-esteem

Many clients turn to hypnotherapy to deal with low self esteem-issues, which are often reflected in acute dissatisfaction with their physical appearance. Women in particular, are prone to finding fault with themselves and their appearance. One client says she avoids mirrors altogether and wriggles out of bed and slinks out of the room, staying as close to the wall as possible, for fear of catching a glimpse of herself.

In recent years, relentless social pressures to conform has escalated the the problem to epidemic proportions. In fact, it led to a campaign to encourage a 'Mirror Fast' whereby people banned the mirror from their lives.

Not only is this impractical, it is also unattainable. With the best intentions in the world to block out the pressure and stay 'mirror-free' you will still catch a glimpse of your reflection in shop windows. Isn't it more realistic to celebrate our appearance, whether or not we fit the conventional norm? After all, small children and babies are thrilled to look at themselves in the mirror without judgement, just a sense of awe and amazement that the little person looking back at them is, yes, them!

Hypnotherapy uses the resources of the unconscious mind to restore the sense of self we are all born with, from which self-esteem and confidence grows. Wouldn't it be good to look in the mirror and like the person you see there? Try hypnotherapy to put an end to cruel comparisons, endless fault-finding, and spurious 'objectivity' forever, and start enjoying the person that you are.

About the author

Marian Barry is a best selling author and advanced clinical hypnotherpist practising in Harley St, London and near Cambridge.